Vegan Spring Rolls

Crispy Vegan Egg Rolls: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Plant-Based Appetizer

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried egg roll, brimming with savory vegetables. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, or simply looking for a lighter, healthier alternative, these homemade Vegan Egg Rolls are an absolute game-changer. Filled with a vibrant mix of seasoned vegetables and fried to crispy perfection, they offer all the deliciousness of your favorite takeout appetizer, but with the added satisfaction of being made right in your own kitchen.

Whether you prefer the guilt-free crisp of an air fryer or the traditional golden hue achieved on the stovetop, we’ve got you covered with detailed instructions for both methods. These versatile rolls are an ideal appetizer for any gathering, a delightful side dish to an Asian-inspired meal, or even a wholesome snack.

We absolutely adore pairing this vegan rendition with our other plant-based favorites like Sweet & Sour Tofu, spicy Kung Pao Tofu, or alongside a hearty Tofu Fried Rice. They complete any Asian entree, adding texture, flavor, and an undeniable element of fun to your meal.

Our flavorful, crisp egg rolls are generously stuffed with a blend of fresh cabbage, sweet carrots, and aromatic green onions. The filling is seasoned to perfection, creating a savory explosion in every bite. Best of all, when prepared in an air fryer, each egg roll clocks in at just over 100 calories, making them a fantastic, guilt-free option for an entree, appetizer, or snack. No air fryer? No problem! We’re also sharing how to achieve that coveted crispy exterior by frying them in a skillet on your stove.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from those beloved Chinese restaurant egg rolls – hot, slightly greasy, incredibly flavorful, and packed with tender cabbage and other delightful vegetables. While air-fried egg rolls might not replicate the exact deep-fried experience, they come incredibly close with a wonderfully crispy yet chewy exterior and an exceptional filling. Served with a generous amount of sweet and tangy plum sauce for dipping, these homemade vegan egg rolls are an incredibly satisfying and remarkably delicious substitute.

Why Choose Homemade Vegan Egg Rolls?

Opting to make your own vegan egg rolls at home offers a multitude of benefits:

• Healthier Alternative: By controlling the ingredients, you can avoid unwanted additives, excessive oils, and ensure fresh, wholesome vegetables are used. Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil, making them a much lighter option than traditional deep-fried versions.
• Dietary Control: Perfect for those with specific dietary needs or allergies. You know exactly what goes into your food, allowing for easy adjustments, such as gluten-free soy sauce or wrappers.
• Cost-Effective: Making appetizers at home is often far more economical than ordering them from restaurants, especially for larger gatherings.
• Customization: The filling is entirely customizable! Experiment with different vegetables, proteins (like crumbled tofu or tempeh), and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Freshness and Flavor: Enjoying egg rolls fresh out of your own kitchen means they’re at their peak crispness and flavor.
• Fun Family Activity: Rolling egg rolls can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family, perfect for a weekend cooking project.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Egg Rolls

Crafting these simple yet spectacular vegan egg rolls requires just a handful of fresh ingredients, plus a few pantry staples for flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Oil: You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté your vegetables, creating the base for the savory filling. If you choose to pan-fry these on the stovetop, ensure you have a neutral-flavored oil suitable for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
• Coleslaw Mix: This is your secret weapon for cutting down on prep time! A pre-shredded bag of cabbage and carrots provides the perfect crunchy foundation for your filling without all the chopping. Look for mixes that are primarily green cabbage for the best texture.
• Carrots: While coleslaw mix usually contains some carrots, we love to add extra shredded carrots to boost the sweetness, color, and nutritional value of the veggie blend. They soften beautifully and add a delightful texture.
• Green Onions (Scallions): These delicate onions are essential for adding a subtle yet distinct oniony flavor to the egg rolls without overpowering the other ingredients. Finely chopped, they meld seamlessly into the filling.
• Flavor Boosters: The magic of these egg rolls lies in their seasoning. You’ll need fresh grated ginger for a warm, zesty kick, soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) for umami depth, and rice vinegar to add a tangy brightness that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: The cornerstone of any good egg roll! These square wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores. Be sure to check the ingredients to ensure they are vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain egg.
• Plum Sauce: While you can certainly serve these with extra soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce, we find that plum sauce offers an unparalleled sweet and tangy counterpoint that truly elevates the egg roll experience. It’s the perfect dipping companion!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Vegan Egg Rolls

Don’t let their restaurant-quality appearance intimidate you – these vegan egg rolls are surprisingly easy to prepare! Follow this straightforward process, and you’ll be enjoying homemade crispy goodness in no time. For the full, printable recipe details, refer to the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the Flavorful Filling: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coleslaw mix, fresh grated ginger, shredded carrot, chopped green onion, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together well. Sauté the vegetables for about 7 minutes, or until they have softened nicely and released their moisture. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling mixture to cool slightly. This step is crucial, as a hot filling can make the wrappers soggy or tear easily.
2. Ready Your Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers dry out very quickly, which can make them crack and difficult to roll. To prevent this, keep your stack of wrappers tightly covered with a damp cloth or paper towel while you work. This ensures they remain pliable and easy to handle.
3. Master the Rolling Technique: Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry work surface, positioned like a diamond (with a corner pointing towards you). Place about 1/4 cup of the cooled vegetable mixture slightly off-center, closer to the corner that’s pointing at you. Don’t overfill, or they’ll be hard to roll and prone to tearing.
4. Fold and Seal: First, fold the bottom corner (the one closest to you) up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll it about half an inch. Next, fold the two side corners towards the center, creating a neat envelope shape. Brush the remaining exposed edges of the wrapper lightly with a tiny bit of water – your finger works perfectly for this – to help create a seal. Finally, roll the egg roll tightly from bottom to top until completely sealed. Gently press the edges to ensure no filling escapes during cooking. Repeat this process for all remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Air Frying for Crispy Perfection: For a healthier, less oily option, air frying is fantastic. Arrange the prepared egg rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they have a little space between them for optimal air circulation. Avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray all sides of the egg rolls with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of neutral oil. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep in mind that air fryer models vary, so start checking them around 8 minutes to prevent over-browning. You may need to cook them in batches.
6. Pan Frying for Traditional Crispiness: If you prefer a more traditional, rich crisp, you can pan-fry them. Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a deep pot or skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once cooked, transfer the egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your freshly cooked vegan egg rolls immediately with a generous side of plum sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the irresistible crunch and savory flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Egg Rolls

Can I prepare egg rolls in advance?

Absolutely! This is one of the best features of making homemade egg rolls. You can prepare and assemble them up to a full day ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until the frying step. Place the rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prepping!

Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, you can certainly bake them! While they might not achieve the same intense crispiness as air-fried or deep-fried versions, they will still be incredibly delicious. To bake, arrange the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray them with a little oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.

Can I freeze vegan egg rolls?

Freezing is a fantastic way to make this recipe even more convenient for future enjoyment. You can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. For uncooked egg rolls: place the freshly assembled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the egg rolls to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. There’s no need to thaw before cooking; simply add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to your chosen cooking method (oven, stovetop, or air fryer).

For cooked egg rolls: allow them to cool completely after cooking. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in an air fryer or oven until crispy and warmed through.

Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Egg Rolls

• Handle Egg Roll Wrappers with Care: These wrappers are prone to drying out and becoming brittle very quickly. Always keep the unused wrappers tightly covered in their original packaging or, even better, wrapped in a damp cloth or paper towel while you are working. This ensures they remain pliable and prevents cracking.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results when using an air fryer, it’s crucial to give your egg rolls space. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring there’s ample room between each one for proper air circulation. Overlapping or stacking them will lead to steamed rather than crispy egg rolls. You may need to cook them in multiple batches.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff as much delicious filling as possible, overfilling your egg rolls can lead to wrappers tearing during rolling or cooking. Aim for about 1/4 cup of filling per wrapper.
• Ensure Filling is Cooled: Always allow your vegetable filling to cool down slightly before you start rolling. Hot filling can make the wrappers soggy and difficult to handle, and can also lead to condensation that makes the egg rolls less crispy.
• The Perfect Seal: A tight seal is key to preventing filling from escaping and oil from getting in (if frying). A small dab of water applied to the edges before the final roll is usually sufficient.

Storage & Reheating Recommendations

To keep your cooked vegan egg rolls fresh and delicious, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For reheating, the best methods to regain their crispiness are:

• Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• Oven: Place them on a baking sheet in a medium-low oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crisp.
• Skillet: For quick reheating, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until they are hot and have regained some crispness.

We absolutely love seeing your creations! If you make this vegan egg rolls recipe (or any of our other recipes!), please let us know. You can tag us on Instagram @foodwithfeeling!

No ratings yet

Vegan Egg Rolls

By
Brita Britnell

Prep:
20 mins

Cook:
10 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
10 egg rolls

Pin
Print

Vegan Egg Rolls are filled with seasoned vegetables, all wrapped up and fried to crispy perfection. I’ve included instructions for frying on the stovetop or using an air fryer. The perfect appetizer or side for any Asian meal!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
• 1 bag (14 ounces) coleslaw mix
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 10 egg roll wrappers*
• Plum sauce for serving
• Neutral oil for frying (if pan-frying)

Instructions

• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Once hot, add the coleslaw mix, ginger, carrot, green onion, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables have softened. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
• Keep your egg roll wrappers covered with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
• Lay one wrapper flat on a clean work surface (like a diamond). Place about 1/4 cup of the cooled vegetable mixture slightly off the center, closer to the corner facing you.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling and roll about half an inch. Then, fold the two side corners towards the center. Lightly brush the remaining exposed edges with a small amount of water to help seal the roll. Roll tightly to close the egg roll and gently press the edges to ensure a secure seal.
• To air fry: Place the rolled egg rolls in your air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray all sides with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check around 8 minutes, as air fryer temperatures can vary, to prevent them from becoming too dark. You may need to cook in batches.
• To fry in a skillet: Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a pot or deep skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the cooked rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Serve your crispy vegan egg rolls immediately with plum sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Notes

Storage & Reheating: Cooled completely and wrapped well, egg rolls will keep three to four days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a dry skillet and warm them up, or put them on a baking sheet in a medium-low oven until crisp and heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcal,
Carbohydrates: 14g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 2g,
Saturated Fat: 0.3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 1mg,
Sodium: 236mg,
Potassium: 58mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 0.4g,
Vitamin A: 1107IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 13mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?
Mention @foodwithfeeling or tag #foodwithfeeling!